Eric

Created by

Ali

Cards (7)

Younger generation quote  
'Why shouldn't they try for higher wages?'
'Why shouldn't they try for higher wages?' analysis
Eric is disillusioned from the capitalist mindset and is starting to understand Priestley's socialist concepts
Rhetorical question - Eric begins to question his father's exploitative treatment and relationship with the lower class - microcosm for the younger generation questioning the older generation's morals
At the beginning, he is 'half shy, half assertive'.. here we see him begin to deviate from shyness as he develops his own opinions which go against his parent's
Quote on gender  
'She was pretty and a good sport'
'She was pretty and a good sport' analysis
'Good sport' has connotations of a game or amusement, showing Eric used Eva for self entertainment - reflects the 1912 objectification of women - He uses Eva for a transactional purpose
Eric's alcohol driven relationship is a microcosm for the toxic relationships between the upper and lower class in 1912 - the lower class where used - Priestley may be critiquing how the upper-class is able to get away with it
Eric focuses on her 'prettiness' despite knowing her in her full depth which reflects his shallow perception
Quote on social reponsibility
' The fact remains I did what I did'
' The fact remains I did what I did' analysis
Eric's moral awakening as he takes responsibility for Eva
Contrasts with his parent's denial in their envolvement of her death
He accepts and faces what he did - makes the audience respect and applaud his honesty - Priestley shows that socialist views are more likeable
'You lot may be letting yourselves out nicely, but I can't'
Social responsibility - Even though the external consequences of the evening’s events seem to have been negated by the revelation about the Inspector, Eric feels that his own actions cannot be undone which shows his personal growth
It shows how Priestley critiques a society which often hides or denies responsibility due to their social class